Storyline:
RESEARCH PAPERS:
Our research papers are ready for the kiddos to do a final edit. They are very good and filled with a great deal of information. Thank you for working with you children on this assignment. I have told the children they can choose how they want to present their information at our culmination. I have given them two options (call me crazy). The first option is to read their research paper and the second option is to make a tri-fold presentation board or poster using the information from their research papers. I have the boards at school. If they pick the later, they may want to bring in some pictures of their animals. I know many children have pictures already. We will be working on our reports next week. Please talk with your children about how they want to present their information.
OIL SPILL:
We completed our last Scientific Inquiry on Wednesday. The children found that fur works the best at soaking up oil and cotton balls works second best. On Thursday they each wrote a conclusion to the experiment. You can find the process, data and conclusions in the hall across from our room.
MISTREATMENT OF MANATEES:
On Friday, we received a message from Biscayne that manatees were being mistreated by Tour Guide companies. A tour guide separated a calf from its mother and then the mother got hit by the rudder of a boat as she was trying to get to her calf. The Jr. Park Rangers watched a video clip of the incident. We talked about the mistreatment of animals as well as other dangers posed to animals by humans. We decided that we need to create some rules for visitors to the park to follow.
FOREIGN LANGUAGE
The children were also concerned about visitors to our park not knowing English. We discussed the problem and several students suggested that we learn how to say hello in different languages. I told the children to go home and see if their parents know a foreign language and to see if they could write it down and learn them how to say hello. The children can then come back to class and teach the word or phrase to the rest of us.
MATH: This week we measured out and compared lengths. We discussed the difference between tall and long. Next week we will put the results in rank order from shortest to longest.
WRITING: We were able to sneak in one free write last week and worked on our research papers.
TOYS at SCHOOL:
I have asked the children to refrain from bringing toys to school. It is becoming an issue with sharing, losing, misplacing and accusing others of stealing. If you have any questions about this please contact me.
THIS WEEK:
This week we are really going to be focusing on our storyline. We have a great deal to finish up before culmination. We may have one more problem at the park, we will see how the first few days go!
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Sunday, February 21, 2010
February 21
Storyline:
Culmination: Thursday, March 11. the children will be divided into four groups. Each group will have one 30 minute time slot. I will be sending information out next week about the specifics.
Last week was a very busy week at the park.
Monday: A ship lost a 100 gallon oil barrel in Biscayne Bay and it was leaking oil very slowly. The question posed to the children was what would happen to the oil? We completed a scientific inquiry and found out several things. The children brainstormed ideas of what might happen to the oil and water. We completed several experiments that tested our hypothesis. The children learned that oil is lighter (less dense) than water and rises to the top of water. We learned a very big work - hydrophobic (does not like water). In simple terms the molecules of oil do not like the molecules in water so they stay away from each other.
Wednesday: The children arrived at school and the park had been closed due to the spread of the oil. Most of the animals left Biscayne Bay and the Florida Keys. However, several of the park animals were affected by the oil. A dolphins blowhole was partially covered and could barely breathe. One of the Loggerhead Sea Turtles was stuck on the beach and was overheating because it could not get back to the water and the flamingo's wings were covered in oil! Again, we competed another scientific inquiry. We wanted to find out how the oil affected the bird' wings and how we could get the oil off of the animals to make them safe again. We found out that feathers are waterproof and water rolls right off wings. We learned that dry wings and wet wings weigh the same. We learned that wings with oil on them weigh more than dry wings. We also learned that oil makes wings stick together and are heavy. Front his experiment we found that oil made the birds unable to fly because the wings stick together and are too heavy so the birds can't fly. Next, we tried cleaning the wings with warm water and warm water with soap. Again, based on our experiment, we concluded warm water and soap worked best to clean the oil off of animals.
This week: Most off the animals are now gone from the park due to the oil spill. This week we will complete another scientific inquiry on cleaning the oil up from the bay.
Last week there was also a lost hiker in one of the national parks, so the children completed a first aid and safety course on Thursday.
HOMEFUN FOR THIS WEEK:
Tuesday, Feb. 23: It is 100's Day ! Sorry for the late notice!!! Please help your child count out 100 snacks and bring them to school on Tuesday. Please refrain from bringing candy. Raisins, cranberries, chocolate chips, peanuts, almonds, popped popcorn, teddy grams all would be wonderful choices.
Wednesday, Wednesday 24: Home Links as well this week.
Writing: We will finish up our research papers this week and begin working on some poetry.
Math: This week we will be focusing on comparing weights and lengths of the animals in Biscayne National Park.
Conferences: There will be no school on Wednesday March 17 through Friday, March 18. Conferences will be Thursday, March 18 and Friday, March 19.
Please know that I will not be holding conferences on Wednesday as I will need the day to prepare for the conferences on the following to days. Thank you in advance for your understanding.
The Regional Reading Conference I attended was fantastic for several reasons. First, it made me realize I am doing many good things in the classroom (yeah). Second, I have so much new information to synthesize it is completely overwhelming. Lastly, I can't wait to SLOWLY implement some of these new ideas into the classroom. I took sessions on differentiation, the "Boys Brain", teaching vocabulary and Reading Workshop models in the classroom. I listened to amazing speakers that also shared wonderful thought provoking messages. I am always amazed when I go to conferences or take classes. There is so much to learn and there are so many ways to become a better teacher. I love it, even though at the same time is it somewhat depressing!
I hope you have all had a nice weekend!
Becky
Culmination: Thursday, March 11. the children will be divided into four groups. Each group will have one 30 minute time slot. I will be sending information out next week about the specifics.
Last week was a very busy week at the park.
Monday: A ship lost a 100 gallon oil barrel in Biscayne Bay and it was leaking oil very slowly. The question posed to the children was what would happen to the oil? We completed a scientific inquiry and found out several things. The children brainstormed ideas of what might happen to the oil and water. We completed several experiments that tested our hypothesis. The children learned that oil is lighter (less dense) than water and rises to the top of water. We learned a very big work - hydrophobic (does not like water). In simple terms the molecules of oil do not like the molecules in water so they stay away from each other.
Wednesday: The children arrived at school and the park had been closed due to the spread of the oil. Most of the animals left Biscayne Bay and the Florida Keys. However, several of the park animals were affected by the oil. A dolphins blowhole was partially covered and could barely breathe. One of the Loggerhead Sea Turtles was stuck on the beach and was overheating because it could not get back to the water and the flamingo's wings were covered in oil! Again, we competed another scientific inquiry. We wanted to find out how the oil affected the bird' wings and how we could get the oil off of the animals to make them safe again. We found out that feathers are waterproof and water rolls right off wings. We learned that dry wings and wet wings weigh the same. We learned that wings with oil on them weigh more than dry wings. We also learned that oil makes wings stick together and are heavy. Front his experiment we found that oil made the birds unable to fly because the wings stick together and are too heavy so the birds can't fly. Next, we tried cleaning the wings with warm water and warm water with soap. Again, based on our experiment, we concluded warm water and soap worked best to clean the oil off of animals.
This week: Most off the animals are now gone from the park due to the oil spill. This week we will complete another scientific inquiry on cleaning the oil up from the bay.
Last week there was also a lost hiker in one of the national parks, so the children completed a first aid and safety course on Thursday.
HOMEFUN FOR THIS WEEK:
Tuesday, Feb. 23: It is 100's Day ! Sorry for the late notice!!! Please help your child count out 100 snacks and bring them to school on Tuesday. Please refrain from bringing candy. Raisins, cranberries, chocolate chips, peanuts, almonds, popped popcorn, teddy grams all would be wonderful choices.
Wednesday, Wednesday 24: Home Links as well this week.
Writing: We will finish up our research papers this week and begin working on some poetry.
Math: This week we will be focusing on comparing weights and lengths of the animals in Biscayne National Park.
Conferences: There will be no school on Wednesday March 17 through Friday, March 18. Conferences will be Thursday, March 18 and Friday, March 19.
Please know that I will not be holding conferences on Wednesday as I will need the day to prepare for the conferences on the following to days. Thank you in advance for your understanding.
The Regional Reading Conference I attended was fantastic for several reasons. First, it made me realize I am doing many good things in the classroom (yeah). Second, I have so much new information to synthesize it is completely overwhelming. Lastly, I can't wait to SLOWLY implement some of these new ideas into the classroom. I took sessions on differentiation, the "Boys Brain", teaching vocabulary and Reading Workshop models in the classroom. I listened to amazing speakers that also shared wonderful thought provoking messages. I am always amazed when I go to conferences or take classes. There is so much to learn and there are so many ways to become a better teacher. I love it, even though at the same time is it somewhat depressing!
I hope you have all had a nice weekend!
Becky
Monday, February 15, 2010
February 15
STORYLINE:
This past week at Biscayne National Park we had an incident that involved obnoxious tourist. On Monday, some tourist came to visit our park and they were very loud and left garbage all over the park and in the water. They even took some coral and the animals were no longer safe from all the garbage! We learned about "Leave No Trace" over the next few days. More tourist came back later in the week and this time the Junior Park Rangers were ready. They stopped the tourist and talked to them about the harmful effects of leaving garbage in the park and how it is important to respect nature and other people. They told the tourist to leave the park as if they had never been there. It was great to see the children respond to this incident. I can't wait to see what happens at our park next!
WRITING:
Last week we worked on our research papers. They are coming along wonderfully. We will finish them up this week as well as do some free writing.
MATH:
Last week we finished Unit 4 and have begun Unit 5. I sent home an overview of Unit 5 on Wednesday. I noticed that some children returned the overview on Thursday. If you do not have one and would like one, let me know.
Why is it important:
1. It reviews what we are covering in the unit.
2. Teaches you the language we are using at school. It is important for you to become familiar with the language of this math program so that you can more readily support your children in the years to come at Highland.
3. It has the answers to the Home Links!
READING:
We are making such wonderful progress in reading. I am very excited to see the children sitting and reading on their own at school. I know we are all busy, but I can not reinforce enough the importance of reading at home. The children should be reading at least 10 to 15 minutes 5 times a week. On the reading logs that are being returned, I can see that is not happening for some. Practicing at home will only increase your child's success at school. Reading at home will not only help your child become a better reader, it will help your child become a better writer.
JUST RIGHT BOOKS:
It is important that they children are reading "just write books". A "just right book" is one that they child struggles on 3 to 5 words on a page in a chapter book and 1 to 2 words on a page in shorter books. If they struggle more than that amount, they are reading a book that is too hard. If they are working on reading the words to often, they are not comprehending what they are reading and most likely are developing bad reading habits that will be hard to break. If your child really wants to read a book that is too hard, make sure you are there to support them.
SPECIALS:
We do not have any specials this week.
On another note, I will be in Portland on Thursday and Friday at a reading conference with Linda Gross and Michele Cross. Patty Neumann, who has been my substitute in the past will cover my class.
I hope you have all had a wonderful weekend!
See you tomorrow.
Becky
This past week at Biscayne National Park we had an incident that involved obnoxious tourist. On Monday, some tourist came to visit our park and they were very loud and left garbage all over the park and in the water. They even took some coral and the animals were no longer safe from all the garbage! We learned about "Leave No Trace" over the next few days. More tourist came back later in the week and this time the Junior Park Rangers were ready. They stopped the tourist and talked to them about the harmful effects of leaving garbage in the park and how it is important to respect nature and other people. They told the tourist to leave the park as if they had never been there. It was great to see the children respond to this incident. I can't wait to see what happens at our park next!
WRITING:
Last week we worked on our research papers. They are coming along wonderfully. We will finish them up this week as well as do some free writing.
MATH:
Last week we finished Unit 4 and have begun Unit 5. I sent home an overview of Unit 5 on Wednesday. I noticed that some children returned the overview on Thursday. If you do not have one and would like one, let me know.
Why is it important:
1. It reviews what we are covering in the unit.
2. Teaches you the language we are using at school. It is important for you to become familiar with the language of this math program so that you can more readily support your children in the years to come at Highland.
3. It has the answers to the Home Links!
READING:
We are making such wonderful progress in reading. I am very excited to see the children sitting and reading on their own at school. I know we are all busy, but I can not reinforce enough the importance of reading at home. The children should be reading at least 10 to 15 minutes 5 times a week. On the reading logs that are being returned, I can see that is not happening for some. Practicing at home will only increase your child's success at school. Reading at home will not only help your child become a better reader, it will help your child become a better writer.
JUST RIGHT BOOKS:
It is important that they children are reading "just write books". A "just right book" is one that they child struggles on 3 to 5 words on a page in a chapter book and 1 to 2 words on a page in shorter books. If they struggle more than that amount, they are reading a book that is too hard. If they are working on reading the words to often, they are not comprehending what they are reading and most likely are developing bad reading habits that will be hard to break. If your child really wants to read a book that is too hard, make sure you are there to support them.
SPECIALS:
We do not have any specials this week.
On another note, I will be in Portland on Thursday and Friday at a reading conference with Linda Gross and Michele Cross. Patty Neumann, who has been my substitute in the past will cover my class.
I hope you have all had a wonderful weekend!
See you tomorrow.
Becky
Saturday, February 6, 2010
February 6, 12010
Storyline:
This week during our storyline time we worked on creating our animals for the frieze. We watched a few video clips about some of our animals. It is my goal to have at least one video clip on each animal the children are studying. During our Writing Workshop time, we have been working on our research papers.
Schedule:
Our classroom schedule is changing on Monday. We will begin whole group reading time at 9:20 and reading groups will begin at 9:50. If you are going to drop you children off and stay at school, I will try to have things for you to do. I am hoping to start putting our Topic Books together and I may also have some recording work to do as well.
Valentine's Day:
I will be looking for parents to help with our Valentine's Day celebration. We will be partying with Ms. Doyle's 2/3 class. Like our parties in the past, we will decorate cookies in one room and complete a craft in the other room. This time, I get the cookie decorating and Ms. Doyle is in charge of the the craft. The activities will begin at 2:15 and go until 3:15. We will set up at 2:00. I am looking for 2 people in my room and 2 people for Ms. Doyle's room. Please let me know if you are willing to help!
As far as Valentines, we will be making Valentine Envelopes this week. I am asking that if your child plans on giving out cards/treats that they give them out to each child in the class. Below you will find a class list.
The Sparrow Club is selling Val-O-Grams. If you would like to purchase one, I believe they are for sale in the front office. The Val-O-Grams will be delivered in the afternoon of the 12th.
Class list:
Abby, Aidan, Audrey, Bronwyn, Carson, Chase, Gavin, Henry, Isabella, Jaden, Jake, Lauren, Maddie, Michael, Mimi, Sachi, Simon, Scarlett, Sam, Taleah, William
Have a great Sunday!
Becky
This week during our storyline time we worked on creating our animals for the frieze. We watched a few video clips about some of our animals. It is my goal to have at least one video clip on each animal the children are studying. During our Writing Workshop time, we have been working on our research papers.
Schedule:
Our classroom schedule is changing on Monday. We will begin whole group reading time at 9:20 and reading groups will begin at 9:50. If you are going to drop you children off and stay at school, I will try to have things for you to do. I am hoping to start putting our Topic Books together and I may also have some recording work to do as well.
Valentine's Day:
I will be looking for parents to help with our Valentine's Day celebration. We will be partying with Ms. Doyle's 2/3 class. Like our parties in the past, we will decorate cookies in one room and complete a craft in the other room. This time, I get the cookie decorating and Ms. Doyle is in charge of the the craft. The activities will begin at 2:15 and go until 3:15. We will set up at 2:00. I am looking for 2 people in my room and 2 people for Ms. Doyle's room. Please let me know if you are willing to help!
As far as Valentines, we will be making Valentine Envelopes this week. I am asking that if your child plans on giving out cards/treats that they give them out to each child in the class. Below you will find a class list.
The Sparrow Club is selling Val-O-Grams. If you would like to purchase one, I believe they are for sale in the front office. The Val-O-Grams will be delivered in the afternoon of the 12th.
Class list:
Abby, Aidan, Audrey, Bronwyn, Carson, Chase, Gavin, Henry, Isabella, Jaden, Jake, Lauren, Maddie, Michael, Mimi, Sachi, Simon, Scarlett, Sam, Taleah, William
Have a great Sunday!
Becky
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